Can we apply for French electric car rental scheme?
Third year of popular programme sees 50,000 contracts available
Reader Question: We have heard about an electric car rental scheme in France, which would be great because we are looking at getting a greener vehicle. Is the scheme still running, and if so how do we apply?
You are in luck – the third iteration of France's discounted electric vehicle leasing scheme, known as leasing social, was launched on July 16.
The scheme allows lower-income households to lease a new electric car among a list of accredited vehicles, for a capped monthly rent.
However, the scheme is limited to 50,000 households, so those interested are urged to apply quickly.
The previous two iterations, in 2024 and 2025, were highly successful and saw the full quotas of funding used.
Who is eligible?
There are several qualification criteria to apply for the scheme.
Firstly, you must be a main resident in France, and be classified as a resident of France for tax purposes.
Your revenu fiscal de référence (household tax income reference, RFR) must be €16,880 or less per household ‘unit’ – you can find this information on your tax notice (avis).
The scheme will use your 2025 avis, meaning the RFR number used will be based on 2024 income.
Finally, you must also meet one of the following driving-based requirements:
Your home-to-work commute made in your car is more than 10km (this can be both one-way or a return journey)
You drive more than 8,000km per year for work purposes in your personal vehicle
The government eligibility simulator lets you check in advance whether you qualify for the scheme.
The aid can only be claimed once, so anyone who already benefited from the 2024 or 2025 editions of the leasing scheme cannot apply again this year. However, they should still be using the vehicle from the scheme so should not be wanting to apply.
How much is the discount worth?
The financial aid is set at 29% of the vehicle's purchase price, up to a maximum of €6,500.
If the car is manufactured in Europe, that ceiling rises to €9,000, provided both the vehicle assembly site and its battery production site are within the European Economic Area.
A further €500 bonus is available if the electric motor is also built within the EEA.
The discount is deducted upfront by the dealer or leasing professional, meaning the first month's rent is reduced to €0 (excluding options and extra services).
What are the monthly costs and contract terms?
The scheme applies to rental contracts, both a straightforward long-term lease (LLD) with a fixed end period, or a lease with an option to buy (LOA).
The contract must run for at least three years, with a maximum limit of December 31, 2031.
Monthly payments for members of the scheme are capped at €200 including tax but excluding compulsory insurance, options and add-on services.
Dealerships involved in the scheme must offer at least one model priced at €140 a month or below.
If cars drive more than 15,000 km per year, additional charges on top of this limit may apply.
There is no initial deposit required beyond the fixed monthly payments, and the future of the vehicle after the scheme is up depends on the contract type signed.
Other points from the scheme to consider include:
A standard 14-day ‘cooling-off’ period after signing the contract
Contracts can be cancelled for free if delivery is delayed by more than 14 days
Free cancellation is also guaranteed in cases of death, invalidity, job loss or other cases of force majeure
If you struggle to keep up payments, contracts must allow a partial or full payment deferral, or partial refund, for up to three months
Sub-letting the vehicle to someone else is strictly forbidden
Full information will be listed in the final contract.
How to apply
Unlike some previous schemes, applicants cannot claim the aid directly from the government.
They must instead approach a participating car dealer or leasing professional, who will check eligibility, handle paperwork, and apply the discount directly to the final contract. Contact local dealerships in your area to see if they are taking part before visiting.
The amount of aid received must be shown on the rental agreement itself.
Qualifying vehicles must be new, first registered in France, run solely on electricity, and fall into the M1 (passenger car) category. It also needs to meet several technical thresholds:
An environmental score of at least 60 points (the list of eligible models is published online)
A purchase price of €47,000 or less including tax, excluding optional add-ons
A kerb weight of 1,800kg or less
For further detail on rules, cumulation with other grants, and the full list of eligible vehicles, see the official pages on Service-Public.fr (available in French and English) and the leasing social website.
